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Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
01 November 2021
Lead MP
Taiwo Owatemi
Coventry North West
Lab
Responding Minister
Maria Caulfield
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Word Count: 14209
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Taiwo Owatemi raised concerns about endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member asks the Government to urgently invest in research projects for endometriosis and PCOS, create facilities for carrying out this research, and establish independent funding bodies for both conditions. She also enquires about the progress made on a strategy to improve women's health research.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member is concerned about the lack of funding for research into endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affect over 3 million women in the UK, or one in ten women. She notes that both conditions vary widely in severity and can cause symptoms other than chronic pain, such as obesity, excess facial hair, and chronic acne. The hon. Member also highlights the need for better GP training to diagnose these conditions accurately without gaslighting patients and the importance of creating more streamlined diagnostic practices.
Pontypridd
Endometriosis affects roughly one in ten women, with an average diagnosis time of almost eight years. Many women face dismissal of their symptoms and lack information on the impact on fertility. There is a need for better research into cures and treatments as well as education about these conditions.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North
I am concerned about the lack of funding for research and treatment options available to women suffering from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. I urge the government to increase investment in these areas. Discussed the importance of tackling the lack of public prominence for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Highlighted common themes in contributions, including better diagnosis and research, and mentioned the significant economic burden caused by delayed diagnoses.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Ms Keeley highlighted the impact of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome on one in ten women, affecting over 1.5 million individuals in the UK. She shared a constituent's testimony about living with PCOS and noted that diagnosis times for these conditions can range from four to fourteen years. Ms Keeley mentioned her personal experience of endometriosis and the long-term impact it had on her life before diagnosis at age 32. She also referenced the gynaecology backlog worsened by the pandemic, citing NHS data indicating a significant increase in waiting lists for gynaecological services. Raised concerns about the backlog in gynaecology appointments due to the pandemic, with some women having to wait up to 18 months for surgery. Emphasised that this delay is unacceptable.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Bell Ribeiro-Addy shared her personal experience with endometriosis, highlighting the pain she has endured for years and the lack of understanding from healthcare providers. She emphasised that the condition can impact a woman's fertility, self-esteem, and overall health if not properly managed. The MP also criticised the long waiting times for appointments and inadequate treatment, noting that her diagnosis took five years.
Bury South
Patients are often dismissed by their GPs, told that it is just a bad period. This medical gaslighting is the main issue. Wakeford highlighted the taboo surrounding women's health issues, emphasizing the chronic nature of endometriosis and its impact on sufferers. He cited statistics indicating that it takes eight years for an average diagnosis and noted the need for better workplace support for those with endo, advocating for employers to become 'endo-friendly'.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Young women are sometimes prescribed contraceptive pills for period pain, only to face mental health impacts, leading them into difficult choices between treatment and wellbeing.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
She expressed her appreciation for Sir David's work with the all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis, highlighting delays in diagnosis and need for research into diagnostic methods. She mentioned a £10,000 grant given to researchers at the University of Hull to look into biomarkers for early detection. Emma also asked that the Health and Care Bill include measures to mandate clinical research within integrated care systems.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
A constituent with endometriosis was advised to have a baby at 16 years old, while another had to stop her care work due to lack of surgery and was turned down for universal credit. There is an urgent need to provide services across the UK for those in Northern Ireland who require help.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
West Lothian
I paid tribute to Sir David Amess's work on endometriosis and thanked Endo Warriors, Endo Bonds, Andrew Horne, Emma Cox at Endometriosis UK for their tireless campaigning. I highlighted the economic cost of £8.2 billion per year due to treatment, healthcare costs, and impact on employment. The condition affects one in 10 women with symptoms ranging from minor to severe pain, impacting daily tasks. Emphasised the importance of diversity in Parliament, highlighting how personal experiences shared by women contribute to raising awareness about endometriosis and PCOS.
Mr Williams expressed concern about the long diagnostic period of nine years in Wales, which exacerbates the suffering of women living with endometriosis. He praised his constituent Kate Laska for her work to raise awareness and highlighted issues such as a lack of specialist support in north Wales, travel burdens due to distance, and the scarcity of services available through Welsh language.
Thurrock
There is a lack of recognition that these conditions affect general wellbeing beyond just fertility. The medical establishment often views women's biology purely from a reproductive perspective. Jackie Doyle-Price expressed concern about the lack of focus on endometriosis despite its prevalence, affecting up to 10% of women. She highlighted that early diagnosis is crucial as it often goes undetected until women try to conceive, at which point significant damage might have occurred. Doyle-Price also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among young girls and in medical professions to ensure timely recognition of symptoms.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Mr Lamont highlighted the work of Endo Borders in raising awareness about endometriosis and its impact on women. He noted that one in 10 women suffer from the condition but there is a lack of knowledge about it. In Scotland, the average diagnosis time is eight years due to vague symptoms. Mr Lamont called for menstrual health education at school level and better access to specialist services, as well as increased research funding.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
East Renfrewshire
She highlighted the lack of research and understanding around PCOS, which affects up to 10% of women. She noted that less than 3% of UK medical research funding is focused on women-specific diseases like PCOS. Kirsten shared her personal experience with irregular periods, fertility issues, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and hair loss due to PCOS.
Both conditions can severely impact mental health due to pain or fertility issues, highlighting the need to prioritise psychological symptoms alongside physical ones.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
A constituent with endometriosis took six years to be diagnosed. There needs to be more awareness among GPs about NICE guidelines for early detection and appropriate treatment. Asked the Minister to give way during interventions.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
It took one constituent 11 years to receive a diagnosis. We need a diagnostic framework for early detection of endometriosis and PCOS.
Robert Largan
Con
Wirral West
I paid tribute to Sir David Amess for his work and highlighted the case of Maddy Howarth who had a difficult journey in getting diagnosed with endometriosis. The average waiting time from symptom onset to diagnosis is eight years, leaving women without psychological support. I mentioned my partner Beth's ongoing struggle with undiagnosed pain despite being on the waiting list for surgery.
Government Response
Maria Caulfield
Government Response
Thanked the hon. Member for Coventry North West (Taiwo Owatemi) and all petitioners for securing the debate, paying tribute to Sir David Amess. Highlighted that endometriosis and PCOS affect a significant number of women in the UK, with many experiencing long diagnosis times and treatment challenges. Stressed the importance of addressing inequalities in women's health and announced England's first women's health strategy focusing on gynaecological conditions, including research into endometriosis and PCOS. Mentioned £8.52 million for endometriosis research over five years and £6.65 million for PCOS research, urging researchers to come forward with applications. Emphasized the need for evidence-based treatment pathways in NICE guidelines and clinical education improvements.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.